Specialties
Hope Central Church is a member congregation of both the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), two mainline Protestant Christian denominations.
The UCC and the Disciples have much in common such as Jesus' prayer "that all may be one" (John 17) which is the founding prayer of both denominations. Both denominations practice freedom of belief, strong member participation, involvement in community needs, and voluntary fellowship along with all other expressions of the Christian faith.
On a national level, the UCC and the Disciples have been ecumenical partners since 1989. This partnership includes ongoing cooperation and dialogue, mutual recognition of clergy, and a shared Global Ministries organization.
History
Established in 2010.
Hope Central Church was formed in the spring of 2010 through the merger of two church communities: Central Congregational Church, a church with a history of nearly 150 years in Jamaica Plain, and Hope Church, a vibrant new church started 8 years before.
Central Congregational Church was founded in 1853 and built our current church building at 85 Seaverns Ave in 1935.
Hope Church was founded in 2002 by Reverends Elizabeth and Matthew Myer Boulton with a vision to be a welcoming, diverse community of people, who could learn and grow together in faith, love, and joy.
In June 2010, Rev. Laura Ruth Jarrett began her ministry as Senior Pastor of Hope Central Church. In June 2018, Rev. Courtney Jones became Hope Central Church's Pastor for Children and Community Life.
Meet the Business Owner: Laura Ruth J.
Laura Ruth grew up on the south side of Atlanta, GA, a preacher's kid, in the Christian Church, Independent, part of the Restoration Movement. She has always had a sweet and deep relationship with God. In her words, she is "a spiritual pilgrim who practices in a Christian way." In her ministry, Laura Ruth has developed a reputation as a strong preacher and a creative worship leader. She possesses a compassionate spirit and a contagious sense of joy. She began working for Hope Central Church on June 1, 2010.